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Climate change

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Regulates Hunting Season for Birds and Wildlife

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced the issuance of Ministerial Decision No 26 of 2025, which sets the conditions and controls for practicing hunting in Qatar. The decision aims to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of wildlife in the country. The migratory bird (Al-Laffo) hunting season begins on September 1 and continues until February 15 of each year, for a period of two years from the date it comes into effect.

Key Takeaways:

  • The migratory bird (Al-Laffo) hunting season begins on September 1 and continues until February 15 of each year, for a period of two years from the date it comes into effect.
  • Hunting the houbara bustard is only permitted using falcons, while the use or trade of non-traditional hunting tools and means is strictly prohibited.
  • The sale, trade, or circulation of hunted birds is prohibited, and hunting is banned in certain locations including nature reserves, islands, artificial lakes, inside cities and villages, public parks, within 500 meters of public roads, and on private properties and farms unless permission has been granted.
  • A list of species permitted to be hunted during the two-year period (2025-2026) includes houbara bustard, stone curlew, mallard (wild duck), blue rock thrush, song thrush, common chiffchaff, and desert wheatear.
  • Article Three of the decision prohibits the hunting or possession of any local and resident wildlife species, as well as other migratory species, across all parts of Qatar throughout the year, for two years from the date the decision takes effect.
  • Species prohibited from hunting include hare, ostrich, gazelle, honey badger, jerboa, hedgehog, and shrike.
  • Violation of the decision will subject the offender to the penalties stipulated in Law No 4 of 2002 Promulgating the Law of the Environment Protection.

Statistics:

  • The migratory bird (Al-Laffo) hunting season spans from September 1 to February 15 each year for two consecutive years.
  • Hunting is allowed only from sunrise to sunset.
  • The prohibited locations for hunting include 14 areas, including nature reserves and private properties.
  • A total of 20 species are allowed to be hunted during the two-year period.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministerial Decision No 26 of 2025, September 1.

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